Trail Boss …. and …. Tin Star

9 oz of Trail Boss Powder: $21.95 at local gun store: Fowler’s Gun Room: 358 South Tustin Ave.​ Orange, CA. … Exit Chapman off the 55, south on Tustin. 

 

 

 

Buying on-line .. not a fair option when you have this to deal with: Please note, powder ships separately. $19.99 HazMat plus $9.99 Shipping fees apply.

As an alternate: Vihtavuori “Tin Star”  Powder Valley, offer 1lb for $33.65 https://www.powdervalleyinc.com/

T7 set-up for 45 Long Colt

All set for a first IMR Trail Boss / Auto-Drum trials.

New Powder Measure

The Auto-Drum Powder Measure by Lee, has received a number of favorable user reviews. I have opted to add one to my T7 press and try it dispense IMR Trail Boss into 45 Colt cases. E-Bay price: $44.98-No delivery fee. .. Midway $32.99-39.88 delivered. I bought from e-bay.

A 2nd 45 Long Colt Die Set

The Deluxe 4 die set from Lee, this shall be specific to the T7 turret press.  E-Bay: $44.98.. No delivery fee.  Midway 39.48 .. $47.08 with delivery

9 mm Tight Primer Pocket

Sorting through 9 mm range brass (3,000+ cases) .. these show up .. Primer Pockets are smaller diameter than “regular” 9 mm brass. In my current batch average pocket ID is: 0.1725” .. these two examples are 0.1690”  .. only 3 1/2 thou but noticeable when cleaning with reamer and wire brush.  Looks like a Winchester NATO stamp: Cross in a Circle and the 11 is a two digit date code. .. I’ll keep these separate for priming.

 For Ref the SAAMI Specs: Pockets and Primers:

Case Prep: 3,000 9mm cases

Processing range brass: sort, sort and sort again. I use Dry Media to Clean & Polish.  Currently Wet tumbling with SS Pins is in vogue, but here in So. Cal. best we use H2O wisely.

Standard Check List: Both Off and On Press .. this shows brass is ready for; Primer Pocket cleaning .. no case trim or ID/OD chamfer required.Steps 5 & 6  2nd clean & polish along with visual case inspection .. looking for: foreign matter, case defects etc..

See below: typical detritus / FOD found in range brass: Note: 380 cases are a real bugger if missed!!

First of 3 batches: Sorting tray made from 18” square of 1/2” ply and some reclaimed baby crib wood. Quick visual check .. this size tray works well.     All the cases ready for Steps 7 & 8Ready to process through the RCBS Case Prep Center, 20 years service with no issues.

Spent Primer Upgrade / Hack

Although the commercial Upgrade is less than $25 .. It is just asking for a Re-Loaders improvised solution:

The standard catch container: a Dillon custom moulded plastic bin. Functional, if tweaked, but can be an annoyance when it over flows/spills.The shop fix: using a 45 Long Colt case.  First run through the sizing /de-prime die.  Remove the standard plastic bin and holding retainer. Note the two small retainer screws may be tight, ensure full engagement of the 5/64ths allan wrench. Check the fit of the Colt case in the retaining bracket slot. A very slight modification may be required.  Drill out the primer pocket of the case using a 5/16th drill. Reduce the Case flange thickness from approx “0.056” to 0.020”.  Clean de-burr as required. Align the reworked case with primer exit slot, using a moderate torque, tighten the holding screws.Function check is ok .. just add the required length of plastic tubing with receptacle and Robert is your father’s brother.

Case Head Rework:

Dillon XL650 Upgrade --- Recommendation

If you run a Dillon XL650 I can strongly recommend this Change/Upgrade: All the required info is on the manufacturers web site. Plus YouTube videos

or 

Provider: http://www.dillonupgrades.com/

Re-Load Station Set Up and Running

My 8020 4’x2’ station is set-up and located for reloading 45 Colt. This set-up allows various activates to continue in other areas of the shop.

45 LC Set-Up In process

Dillon XL 650 and Redding T-7 being set-up to Re-Load 45LC. Cases are all cleaned and prepped

Loading Trays … Why Buy?

With some White and Red Oak I fashioned ten + one(11) Re-Loading trays. Trays are nominally; 9 ¼” x 4 ½” x 11/16” thick

Prototype: one tray to gauge proportions and ergonomics.

Alpha Set: primary design consideration is the 45 Long Colt, each tray managing up to 50 cases. Set of five Red Oak trays; two lots of; 25 9/16” holes on a ¾” grid spaced with 1” separation.

Beta Set: design considerations are: 9mm, 38sp, 357 Sig., each tray managing up to 50 cases. Set of five White Oak trays; two lots of: 25 7/16” holes on a ¾” grid spaced with 1” separation.

One hundred and forty two (142) 45 LC cases ready to process.Trays with Oil Finish:A number of manufacturers produce trays in the $5 – $9 range (plastic) and approx. $32 for aluminum trays. Midway USA carries most brands and offerings. Using some leftover wood is an economic solution.

Detail of Trays and Holes: Alpha & BetaCommercial offerings:

Die Reference Information … Micrometer Positioning

The “Pro Series” Bullet Seating Die is designed for bullet seating only, with no crimping feature.

Die Reference Information .. Cross Sections